Annapolis, MD - To help usher in the newly proclaimed "Climate Education Week," during Earth Month, the Maryland Commission on Climate Change’s 2024 spokesperson, Mary Kay Connerton, along with Commission officials, and co-founder and co-president of Compostology, will convene at Annapolis High School, on April 3rd, where Ms. Connerton is a wellness coordinator. Ms. Connerton is the 2023-24 Maryland Teacher of the Year.
Compostology was founded in 2020 by two high-schoolers, Advika Agarwal and Angelina Xu with the aim of bringing food rescue and diversion to every school in Montgomery County, Maryland. Now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Compostology is expanding their movement for food waste consciousness nationwide. They fund and collaborate with schools to compost and donate food that would otherwise be wasted - up to 2000 lbs monthly per school - while fighting for policies to make these programs accessible.
The event kicks off the Commission’s statewide second Annual Climate Teach-In, during Climate Education Week. Community and faith organizations, higher ed, and K-12 schools from every school district inthe state are invited to participate in the Climate Teach-In. The Climate Teach-In is meant for all Marylanders.
WHAT: Maryland’s 2023-24 Teacher of the Year will host the Maryland Commission on Climate Change’s “Maryland Climate Teach-In” on April 3rd at Annapolis High School during “Maryland Climate Education Week” (April 1-7). The event will kick off the statewide initiative and include opening remarks by Commission on Climate Change Chair, Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain, an inspiring keynote speaker, a yoga and guided meditation segment, and a panel of Climate Change Commission officials talking about the Teach-In, green careers, and climate issues.
This is a zero-waste event, including the refreshments, and a demonstration of how to compost will be included.
WHO (speakers to include):
- AHS Principal Audra Whayland
- Mary Kay Connerton, Maryland Teacher of the Year and the 2024 MD Climate Teach-In spokesperson
- Sec. Serena McIlwain, Chair of the Maryland Commission on Climate Change
- Advika Agarwal of COMPOSTOLOGY, co-founder and co-president of Compostology
- Panel speakers to interact with students: Jabari Walker, Amy Lambert, and Susan Casey, representing the MD Commission on Climate Change
- Annapolis High students, including Green Club members
- College students from the Bowie State University Green Ambassadors
WHEN: Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
WHERE: Annapolis High School, Room 220
